Undergraduate Courses
PNTG 101 Painting Basics for the Non-major
This course provides a foundation in the practices and materials associated with painting and prepares students to work in oil and water-based media. Working from direct observation, students develop an understanding of formal concerns as well as paint manipulation to produce strong representational paintings. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 203 Oil-based Media Exploration
This course explores versatile processes for planning and developing a visual idea using oil-based media. The course examines both traditional and contemporary applications of media, including under-painting, fat over lean paint application, glazing, scumbling, impasto and alla prima. Students construct and prepare sound painting supports for canvas and panel as well as an oil-primed, sized linen support and are taught safe handling of solvents and mediums. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 101, DRAW 101.
PNTG 206 Water-based Media Exploration
Students in this course explore versatile processes for planning and developing a visual idea using water-based media, with emphasis on acrylic painting techniques. The course examines both traditional and contemporary applications of media, including wet-into-wet, dry-brush paint application, masking and alla prima. Students prepare archival painting supports for water-based media, including paper, canvas and panel. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 101, DRAW 101.
PNTG 207 Watercolor
This course allows students with particular interests in the possibilities of watercolor to focus intensively on its expressive and depictive capacities. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 206.
PNTG 210 Color and the Painted Image
This course reviews basic color theory and introduces more advanced theory and color issues applicable to oil painting. Students are expected to learn how to use color better as a language in their painting through the hands-on analysis of work that employs color as a primary agent. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 302 Intermediate Painting
Using a structure that alternates studio sessions with lessons about practical issues of visual documentation, framing and other professional components, this course enables students to create work in a thematic series that develops their painting methods and personal concepts. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203, PNTG 206.
PNTG 310 Life Painting
This course provides an overview of life painting, with a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the human figure in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 200, PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 312 Mixed Media
Using traditional and nontraditional materials, students in this course develop inventive experimental approaches to a variety of pictorial media, and examine how media, idea and composition relate. Students explore the boundaries between painting and sculpture when nontraditional materials are incorporated in collage and assemblage form. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
PNTG 319 Painting Materials and Techniques
This course provides extended exploration of one major traditional painting medium or method associated either with a particular era or artist. Replication projects provide initial direct experience of the medium and method under investigation, prior to the creation of original work. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203, PNTG 206.
PNTG 321 Portrait Painting
With an examination of the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of portraiture in the history of painting, this course provides an excellent overview of portrait painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 325 Narrative Painting
This course introduces the historically complex role of the painter as narrator, concentrating on the balance of subject matter with aesthetic form. Students explore the unique pictorial requirements of narrative painting, such depictions of the passage of time. Students also investigate categories of contemporary narrative painting. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 310.
PNTG 327 Advanced Oil Painting
Using oil paint in both direct and indirect applications, students in this course advance and refine their artistic process and the formal aspects of their work. Students may work in a variety of modes on a variety of surfaces. The work of both historical and contemporary practitioners is considered. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203.
PNTG 330 Large-format Painting
Students in this course learn to address the challenges and formulate strategies associated with making large-scale studio paintings from preparatory materials and explore the techniques and methods required for making large-format paintings. Students critique examples of large-scale work from contemporary art. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206, and PNTG 310.
PNTG 331 Landscape Painting
This course provides an overview of landscape in painting, with a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the landscape image in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 332 Advanced Portrait Painting
Extending the technical base acquired in portrait painting, students advance and refine their representational drawing and painting skills. While the course addresses advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 321.
PNTG 333 Mural Painting
This course introduces students to historical and contemporary approaches to mural painting, with an emphasis on the concepts and philosophies developed in the Mexican mural tradition. The course addresses materials, techniques, surface treatment and archival issues relevant to mural painting. Studio practice is supplemented by lectures, films and on-site visits. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, DSGN 101.
PNTG 334 Chinese Painting
This course introduces Chinese subjects and traditional painting techniques, where variation in ink, color, line and texture are all achieved by Chinese brushstroke. The philosophy and history of Chinese painting are addressed, helping students understand and develop the technique and concept of Chinese painting. Students are encouraged to combine Western and Eastern art to create their own personal work. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 340 Realist Painting
Representing the subtlety and nuance of the variety of color, perspective and form observed in the world requires a diverse range of technical and conceptual skills necessary for creating realist paintings from observation. The development of these skills is the focus of this course and includes the creation of the illusion of depth; proportion; anatomy; control of texture and smoothness to create a convincing paint surface; and utilization of value, hue and intensity to convey a sense of light and form. Additionally students learn about issues in realist painting in the context of other painting modes. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 200, PNTG 203.
PNTG 341 Painting: Developing a Sense of Place
Designed to take advantage of experiences provided by a particular location, this course provides students the opportunity to visit historically or culturally significant sites in order to create a series of work in response to the site. Students determine the appropriate materials and techniques necessary for their work. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 100, DSGN 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 350 Special Topics in Painting
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each new version focuses on specific issues in the field of painting and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
PNTG 355 Human Image and Metaphor
This course explores the various ways in which meaning is derived from the human image, whether directly, symbolically or metaphorically. The course addresses the relationship between form and content, and materials and processes. Students propose and execute their own projects based on personal and historical interpretations of the human figure. Students collectively explore discursive strategies while viewing the human image. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206, PNTG 310.
PNTG 361 Painting: Developing a Personal Vision
Students create a cohesive body of work based on a studio proposal. Students develop appropriate goals in coordination with the professor to explore the language of color, shape and texture in relationship to expanded concepts. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, DSGN 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 366 Conceptual Art Practice
This course introduces students to various aspects of conceptual art and explores practical issues relevant to painting within current contemporary art. Technical expansiveness, theoretical development and the role of visuality are explored through projects and class discussion. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, PNTG 302.
PNTG 401 Alternative Media Exploration
This course provides an opportunity for students to move beyond the pictorial tradition of painting. Students explore the use of nontraditional materials to engage in spatial strategies, such as installation, or temporal strategies such as performance and new media. Emphasis is placed on the cross-media use of technology, as in kinetics, sound, light and video. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
PNTG 404 Abstract Painting
By focusing on studio projects and assignments that develop a nonobjective approach to color, line and form, this course explores the historical sources of the abstract painting tradition, including both modern and postmodern variations. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 409 Advanced Painting
This open studio course allows advanced students to develop their strengths pertaining to their own interests and choices of materials as they work toward a cohesive body of work. Students have relevant reading and writing assignments, and complete a finished artist statement. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 310, PNTG 401.
PNTG 410 Advanced Life Painting
Extending the skill base acquired in Life Painting, this course focuses on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the human figure in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Students gain experience with multiple figure compositions and complex environments. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 415 Painting Senior Seminar
This seminar course focuses on the direction of students’ studio output through critiques, discussions and writing assignments. Students receive reading assignments based on current critical writings as they begin to analyze the conceptual premises, cultural references and intellectual foundation of their artistic processes. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, PNTG 302.
PNTG 431 Advanced Landscape Painting
With a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the landscape image in the history of painting, this course continues to develop the skill base begun in landscape painting. While the course concentrates on advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 331.
PNTG 444 Visiting Artist in Painting
This course offers undergraduate painting students one quarter of study with a visiting artist in the painting department. The course is organized around the conceptual and technical specialties of the visiting artist and culminates with a collaborative class project. Through critiques, discussions and writing, the visiting artist guides students in assignments and projects, fostering an understanding of the connections between idea, media, technique, scale, process and content. Students also gain an understanding of the visiting artist’s own process of idea development and professional practices. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
SFIN 305 The Body as Medium
Students in this course are introduced to various aspects of body related art and explore the historical background within current contemporary art. Technical expansiveness, theoretical development and the role of the body as medium are explored through individual and collaborative projects, research and class discussion. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, DRAW 200.
This course provides a foundation in the practices and materials associated with painting and prepares students to work in oil and water-based media. Working from direct observation, students develop an understanding of formal concerns as well as paint manipulation to produce strong representational paintings. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 203 Oil-based Media Exploration
This course explores versatile processes for planning and developing a visual idea using oil-based media. The course examines both traditional and contemporary applications of media, including under-painting, fat over lean paint application, glazing, scumbling, impasto and alla prima. Students construct and prepare sound painting supports for canvas and panel as well as an oil-primed, sized linen support and are taught safe handling of solvents and mediums. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 101, DRAW 101.
PNTG 206 Water-based Media Exploration
Students in this course explore versatile processes for planning and developing a visual idea using water-based media, with emphasis on acrylic painting techniques. The course examines both traditional and contemporary applications of media, including wet-into-wet, dry-brush paint application, masking and alla prima. Students prepare archival painting supports for water-based media, including paper, canvas and panel. Prerequisite(s): DSGN 101, DRAW 101.
PNTG 207 Watercolor
This course allows students with particular interests in the possibilities of watercolor to focus intensively on its expressive and depictive capacities. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 206.
PNTG 210 Color and the Painted Image
This course reviews basic color theory and introduces more advanced theory and color issues applicable to oil painting. Students are expected to learn how to use color better as a language in their painting through the hands-on analysis of work that employs color as a primary agent. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 302 Intermediate Painting
Using a structure that alternates studio sessions with lessons about practical issues of visual documentation, framing and other professional components, this course enables students to create work in a thematic series that develops their painting methods and personal concepts. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203, PNTG 206.
PNTG 310 Life Painting
This course provides an overview of life painting, with a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the human figure in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 200, PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 312 Mixed Media
Using traditional and nontraditional materials, students in this course develop inventive experimental approaches to a variety of pictorial media, and examine how media, idea and composition relate. Students explore the boundaries between painting and sculpture when nontraditional materials are incorporated in collage and assemblage form. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
PNTG 319 Painting Materials and Techniques
This course provides extended exploration of one major traditional painting medium or method associated either with a particular era or artist. Replication projects provide initial direct experience of the medium and method under investigation, prior to the creation of original work. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203, PNTG 206.
PNTG 321 Portrait Painting
With an examination of the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of portraiture in the history of painting, this course provides an excellent overview of portrait painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 325 Narrative Painting
This course introduces the historically complex role of the painter as narrator, concentrating on the balance of subject matter with aesthetic form. Students explore the unique pictorial requirements of narrative painting, such depictions of the passage of time. Students also investigate categories of contemporary narrative painting. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 310.
PNTG 327 Advanced Oil Painting
Using oil paint in both direct and indirect applications, students in this course advance and refine their artistic process and the formal aspects of their work. Students may work in a variety of modes on a variety of surfaces. The work of both historical and contemporary practitioners is considered. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203.
PNTG 330 Large-format Painting
Students in this course learn to address the challenges and formulate strategies associated with making large-scale studio paintings from preparatory materials and explore the techniques and methods required for making large-format paintings. Students critique examples of large-scale work from contemporary art. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206, and PNTG 310.
PNTG 331 Landscape Painting
This course provides an overview of landscape in painting, with a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the landscape image in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 332 Advanced Portrait Painting
Extending the technical base acquired in portrait painting, students advance and refine their representational drawing and painting skills. While the course addresses advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 321.
PNTG 333 Mural Painting
This course introduces students to historical and contemporary approaches to mural painting, with an emphasis on the concepts and philosophies developed in the Mexican mural tradition. The course addresses materials, techniques, surface treatment and archival issues relevant to mural painting. Studio practice is supplemented by lectures, films and on-site visits. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, DSGN 101.
PNTG 334 Chinese Painting
This course introduces Chinese subjects and traditional painting techniques, where variation in ink, color, line and texture are all achieved by Chinese brushstroke. The philosophy and history of Chinese painting are addressed, helping students understand and develop the technique and concept of Chinese painting. Students are encouraged to combine Western and Eastern art to create their own personal work. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 340 Realist Painting
Representing the subtlety and nuance of the variety of color, perspective and form observed in the world requires a diverse range of technical and conceptual skills necessary for creating realist paintings from observation. The development of these skills is the focus of this course and includes the creation of the illusion of depth; proportion; anatomy; control of texture and smoothness to create a convincing paint surface; and utilization of value, hue and intensity to convey a sense of light and form. Additionally students learn about issues in realist painting in the context of other painting modes. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 200, PNTG 203.
PNTG 341 Painting: Developing a Sense of Place
Designed to take advantage of experiences provided by a particular location, this course provides students the opportunity to visit historically or culturally significant sites in order to create a series of work in response to the site. Students determine the appropriate materials and techniques necessary for their work. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 100, DSGN 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 350 Special Topics in Painting
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each new version focuses on specific issues in the field of painting and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisite(s): Vary according to topic.
PNTG 355 Human Image and Metaphor
This course explores the various ways in which meaning is derived from the human image, whether directly, symbolically or metaphorically. The course addresses the relationship between form and content, and materials and processes. Students propose and execute their own projects based on personal and historical interpretations of the human figure. Students collectively explore discursive strategies while viewing the human image. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206, PNTG 310.
PNTG 361 Painting: Developing a Personal Vision
Students create a cohesive body of work based on a studio proposal. Students develop appropriate goals in coordination with the professor to explore the language of color, shape and texture in relationship to expanded concepts. Prerequisite(s): DRAW 101, DSGN 100, DSGN 101.
PNTG 366 Conceptual Art Practice
This course introduces students to various aspects of conceptual art and explores practical issues relevant to painting within current contemporary art. Technical expansiveness, theoretical development and the role of visuality are explored through projects and class discussion. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, PNTG 302.
PNTG 401 Alternative Media Exploration
This course provides an opportunity for students to move beyond the pictorial tradition of painting. Students explore the use of nontraditional materials to engage in spatial strategies, such as installation, or temporal strategies such as performance and new media. Emphasis is placed on the cross-media use of technology, as in kinetics, sound, light and video. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
PNTG 404 Abstract Painting
By focusing on studio projects and assignments that develop a nonobjective approach to color, line and form, this course explores the historical sources of the abstract painting tradition, including both modern and postmodern variations. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 409 Advanced Painting
This open studio course allows advanced students to develop their strengths pertaining to their own interests and choices of materials as they work toward a cohesive body of work. Students have relevant reading and writing assignments, and complete a finished artist statement. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 310, PNTG 401.
PNTG 410 Advanced Life Painting
Extending the skill base acquired in Life Painting, this course focuses on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the human figure in the history of painting. While the course concentrates on advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Students gain experience with multiple figure compositions and complex environments. Models are available for the entire quarter. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 203 or PNTG 206.
PNTG 415 Painting Senior Seminar
This seminar course focuses on the direction of students’ studio output through critiques, discussions and writing assignments. Students receive reading assignments based on current critical writings as they begin to analyze the conceptual premises, cultural references and intellectual foundation of their artistic processes. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, PNTG 302.
PNTG 431 Advanced Landscape Painting
With a focus on the conceptual, perceptual and technical evolution of the landscape image in the history of painting, this course continues to develop the skill base begun in landscape painting. While the course concentrates on advanced issues specific to this genre, attention is also given to the role of technique and theory in the expression of the masters and contemporary practitioners. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 331.
PNTG 444 Visiting Artist in Painting
This course offers undergraduate painting students one quarter of study with a visiting artist in the painting department. The course is organized around the conceptual and technical specialties of the visiting artist and culminates with a collaborative class project. Through critiques, discussions and writing, the visiting artist guides students in assignments and projects, fostering an understanding of the connections between idea, media, technique, scale, process and content. Students also gain an understanding of the visiting artist’s own process of idea development and professional practices. Prerequisite(s): PNTG 302.
SFIN 305 The Body as Medium
Students in this course are introduced to various aspects of body related art and explore the historical background within current contemporary art. Technical expansiveness, theoretical development and the role of the body as medium are explored through individual and collaborative projects, research and class discussion. Prerequisite(s): ARTH 207, DRAW 200.
